The Fiat 343 was an Italian bus produced by Fiat Veicoli Industriali, the bus division of Fiat before the creation of the Iveco consortium, starting from 1966. It was very similar to the previous Fiat 306 but included numerous innovations. Production ended in 1978 and the type was replaced by the Iveco 370.
Fiat 343 at a glance
| Production | 1966–1978 |
|---|---|
| Maker | Fiat Veicoli Industriali |
| Class | intercity and long-distance bus |
| Lengths | 11 metres, 13 metres for the 343L |
| Predecessor | Fiat 306 |
| Engine 8200.12 | 9,819 cc, 194 hp |
| Engine 8200.13 | 10,308 cc, 208 hp, in the 343L |
| Replaced by | Iveco 370 |
| Export | built also for foreign markets |
Based on one source, the English Wikipedia article.
History of the Fiat 343
An update of the 306
The 343 was developed by Fiat Veicoli Industriali as the successor to the Fiat 306. It was very similar to that model, although it included numerous innovations. Production started in 1966.
Two lengths and two engines
The bus was produced in two versions, one 11 metres long and one, named 343L, 13 metres long. Two engines were used. The FIAT 8200.12 of 9,819 cc produced 194 hp, while the 8200.13 of 10,308 cc produced 208 hp and was mounted in the 343L.
End of production
Production, which was also destined for foreign countries, ended in 1978 together with that of the Fiat 308. Both were replaced by the Iveco 370, which had been produced since 1977.
Design and features
- Two body lengths: 11 metres for the standard 343 and 13 metres for the 343L.
- Two engine sizes: 9,819 cc with 194 hp and 10,308 cc with 208 hp.
- Development of the 306: a familiar layout with numerous innovations.
- Export production: the type was also built for foreign markets.
Fiat 343 versions
- 343: the 11-metre version with the 9,819 cc 194 hp engine.
- 343L: the 13-metre version with the 10,308 cc 208 hp engine.
- Menarini Granturismo: a 1971 coachbuilt example is preserved in the Italian bus museum.
The 343 followed the Fiat 306 and was replaced, together with the Fiat 308, by the Iveco 370. More vehicles are in the Fiat collection.
Sources
- Fiat 343, English Wikipedia: production dates, versions, engines and successor
